Penn vs. Fitch Aftermath: 50 Fights That Would Have Been Better As 5-Rounders

There has been buzz, for some time now, about the possibility of making marquee non-title fights five-round affairs. Most notably, non-title main event fights in the UFC.

Under the "unified rules" that govern the majority of MMA competition, title fights are five-round fights of five minutes each, while non-title fights are restricted to strictly three rounds of five minutes each.

Now, I am not the biggest supporter of the notion that some non-title fights should be five rounds, but it is hard to deny that it makes a whole lot of sense in certain situations.

Should the rules be changed? It could possibly be for the better, but the ideal set of regulations is far from reaching a consensus.

Regardless of what could hypothetically happen in the future, these are the top 50 fights in MMA that could have been better as five round fights.

Note: In Pride, title fights were the same length as regular bouts (10-minute first round and two more rounds at five minutes each.

Bushido events were limited to two rounds and thus qualify for this list. In some tournament formats, multiple fights in one day required two-round fights as well—thus qualifying them.

Pride events held on US soils were regulated by the "unified rules."

*additional note: I'm finishing up late, so some slight re-ordering might happen based on suggestions in comments.

Mitsuhiro Ishida vs. Marcus Aurelio

Marcus Aurelio was 14-2 at the time and red hot coming off of a first-round submission over top-ranked Pride Lightweight Champion, Takanori Gomi.

Highly regarded Mitsuhiro Ishida was 11-2-1 heading into the bout with Aurelio and took the unanimous decision win.

The interesting thing is that this fight took place under Pride "Bushido" rules.  What this meant was that fights were all two rounds, with a 10-minute first round and five-minute second round.

Considering these were two of the best lightweights in the world at the time, I think many fans would have liked to see it as a longer fight worthy of its competitors.

Many fans did enjoy the Bushido format, but the more fighting amongst top fighters the better, and that's why a handful of those matchups made this list.

Ryan Bader vs. Rogerio Nogueira

Ryan Bader propelled himself deep into the light heavyweight top 10 and the MMA elite with his unanimous decision victory over Rogerio Nogueira.

Although unanimous, the fight was not as lopsided as some believe.

The wrestler, Bader, scored points with his takedowns, but was neutralized on the ground by Nogueira's BJJ. 

Had these fighters had the chance to fight for two more rounds, we might have gotten to see a more decisive result from these two high-caliber fighters.

Dan Henderson vs. Vitor Belfort

Pride 32 was fought on American soil and thus contested under the "unified rules."

Dan Henderson defeated Vitor Belfort via unanimous decision in a three-round fight.

As two of the sports pioneers and most beloved legends, nobody would have argue with the fight going another two rounds.

Diego Sanchez vs. Karo Parisyan

These two welterweight stars battle back and forth in an early coming out party for Diego Sanchez.

Karo Parisyan seemed in control at first, but Sanchez stormed back to earn the unanimous decision.

Knowing the kind of warrior that Parisyan was, fans would have loved to see these two fighters go at it for two more rounds.

Gray Maynard vs. Nate Diaz

Gray Maynard scored a split decision over dangerous rival Nate Diaz.

Maynard dictated much of the fight, but Diaz wanted to keep fighting, and fans agreed.

Dan Henderson vs. Murilo Bustamante

Dan Henderson won the first ever Pride Welterweight ("middleweight" in US) Championship by defeating Murilo Bustamante via split decision in the final of Pride's Welterweight Grand Prix tournament.

The bout was extremely close with many feeling the decision could have gone the way of Bustamante.

More rounds would have been perfect as this match was only an unsatisfying two-round affair.

Note: This may or may not have been the fight that earned Dan Henderson the nickname "Decision Dan."

Tyson Griffin vs. Clay Guida

Clay Guida and Tyson Griffin fought to a split-decision in what is regarded by some as the most exciting fight of 2007.

Both men would go on to become stars in the stacked UFC lightweight division.

With their incredible cardio and talents, everyone was hoping they could have seen more of this incredible clash.

Diego Sanchez vs. Clay Guida

Clay Guida was again the victim of a split decision that was very exciting and named by many as "fight of the year."

Sanchez hurt Guida badly in the first round, but the always tenacious Guida fought back strong in the second and third rounds.

Had it been five rounds, Guida could have made a legendary comeback, or Sanchez could have definitely put Guida away.

Frank Trigg vs. Kazuo Misaki

Kazuo Misaki was coming off his victory in the 2006 Pride WW GP final.

Frank Trigg defeated Misaki by unanimous decision in a three-round bout contested on American soil under the "unified rules."

Although a standout fighter already, Misaki deserved a five-round fight for him to be usurped in the rankings.

Dennis Kang vs. Akihiro Gono

Dennis Kang defeated Akihiro Gono by unanimous decision after two rounds in the 2006 Pride Welterweight GP tournament semifinals.

Gono was coming off victories over rising superstars Hector Lombard and Gegard Mousasi.

A five-round fight would have been appropriate for these two veteran fighters at the peak of their careers.

Yoshihiro Akiyama vs. Alan Belcher

Japanese superstar Yoshihiro Akiyama made his highly-anticipated UFC debut against the tough Alan Belcher.

Belcher seemed to be the more dangerous fighter while Akiyama was a little better at picking his shots.

Akiyama won the split-decision victory. Another two rounds could have told a completely different story for these two elite competitors.

Michael Bispings vs. Matt Hamill

Fighting on his home turf, Michael Bisping walked away with one of the most controversial split-decision victories in UFC history.

Hamill appeared to control the action and land the more significant strikes.

In retrospect, many would have liked this fight to go longer just so that Hamill would have the opportunity to leave no doubt and to earn some justice.

Rodrigo Nogueira vs. Randy Couture

Rodrigo Nogueira won a pretty clear cut victory over Randy Couture.

However, considering these two men are arguably two of the top three heavyweights of all time, a five-round affair would certainly have been more fitting for men of their stature. 

Rogerio Nogueira vs. Kazuhiro Nakamura

Rogerio "Little Nog" Nogueira took the split-decision victory over game Japanese opponent, Kazuhiro Nakamura.

Nogueira was the more experienced fighter at the time, but both would go on to take on the best fighters in the world throughout the rest of their careers.

Dong Hyun Kim vs. Nate Diaz

In a high-profile welterweight clash, Dong Hyun Kim got the unanimous decision victory by winning the first two rounds to Nate Diaz's third.

With momentum swinging in Diaz's favor, an extra two rounds could have told a very different story as to who is ready for championship-level fights.

Wanderlei Silva vs. Michael Bisping

Michael Bisping and Wanderlei Silva went to war in an exciting and closely contested three-round war.

Silva, however, put Bisping in greater danger at moments in the fight in order to win the unanimous decision victory.

Bisping fans think he could have won, especially given two more rounds, while Wanderlei fans would have loved those rounds for the opportunity to put Bisping away definitively.

Spencer Fisher vs. Sam Stout, 1 and 2

Spencer Fisher dropped the first fight via split decision in a fight he took on late notice.

The fight was so exciting that they had a headlining rematch.

Spencer Fisher won by unanimous decision the second time, but both fights were so exciting that no one would have complained to see Spencer Fisher vs. Sam Stout as a five rounder.

Ricardo Arona vs. Wanderlei Silva 1

Pride champion Wanderlei Silva lost to Ricardo Arona by unanimous decision in a two-round fight during the 2005 Middleweight GP, only to successfully defend his title against Arona in a split decision in his very next fight.

This rivalry always deserved championship-level rounds. 

Rashad Evans vs. Brad Imes

In the Ultimate Fighter Season 2 Finale, Rashad Evans got the split decision over Brad Imes in a decision that could have gone either way.

Evans continued onto stardom while Imes drifted away. 

Matt Hughes vs. Matt Serra

Before this fight happened, many fans clamored for it to be a five rounder.

It was a grudge match rivalry between two former champions that was actually originally scheduled to be for the title before injuries and delays threw a wrench into the plans.

Hughes won a unanimous decision in a tough-to-score battle many felt could have gone the way of Serra, thus confirming these two deserved five rounds to settle the score.

Carlos Newton vs. Renzo Gracie, 1 and 2

These two pioneers fought twice, splitting a pair of split decision victories.

Their first matchup was during Pride Bushido 1 with Newton taking the victory.

Renzo would win the second matchup three years later in the IFL.

These guys needed some more rounds.

Ikuhisa Minowa vs. Phil Baroni 2

A grudge match rivalry between two exciting fighters.

Phil Baroni defeated Ikuhisa Minowa by TKO in their first fight, but Minowa won the decision in their two-round fight at Pride Bushido 9 for the welterweight GP tournament.

Takanori Gomi vs. Luiz Azeredo

Takanori Gomi defeated Luiz Azeredo for the second time in a memorable affair via a two-round unanimous decision victory at Pride Bushido 9 for the 2005 Pride Lightweight GP semifinals.

Gomi controlled the action with his powerful striking, but Azeredo was still moving spritely in the final minutes.

Another round or two would have been continued fireworks for the fans, plus a chance for Azeredo to turn the tables on the legendary Gomi.

Sean Sherk vs. Evan Dunham

Former champion Sean Sherk won a controversial split decision over rising star Evan Dunham.

Many were surprised that Dunham was able to turn the tides on the notoriously-conditioned former champ.

Three rounds was simply not enough time for these two fighters to reach a satisfying conclusion.

Forrest Griffin vs. Tito Ortiz, 1 and 2

Tito Ortiz and Forrest Griffin have fought twice, each man earning a split decision victory.

These two MMA stars and former champions could have used a five-round fight to see who could legitimately outlast the other.  

Josh Thomson vs. Gesias Cavalcante

Josh Thomson defeated Gesias Cavalcante in a three-round Strikeforce fight between two championship-caliber fighters.

Many observers felt that Cavalcante deserved the decision victory, only giving more reason as to why it should have been a five-round fight.

Josh Barnett vs. Rodrigo Nogueira 1

Josh Barnett defeated the legendary Rodrigo Nogueira in a two-round split decision for the 2006 openweight GP semi-finals.

Rodrigo would get his revenge two months later, but these two men deserved more than a controversial split decision after two rounds for their first go around.

Forrest Griffin vs. Stephan Bonnar, 1 and 2

Forrest Griffin famously edged Stephan Bonnar in the Ultimate Fighter Season 1 finale.

Fans wanted to see them fight some more, so a rematch was made a little over a year later, with Griffin getting a close decision again.

What fans always wanted to see, however, was these two warriors go at it for five full rounds.

Matt Hamill vs. Keith Jardine

The scores resulted in a majority decision in the featured light heavyweight bout for The Ultimate Fighter Season 11 Finale.

Matt Hamill got the edge over the notable Keith Jardine. The decision would have been split were it not for the point deduction from a Jardine eye poke. 

Chael Sonnen vs. Nate Marquardt

Two top-ranked middleweights battled it out in a title-eliminator bout to challenge for Anderson Silva's thrown.

Chael Sonnen dominated Nate Marquardt using wrestling for three rounds, but Marquardt was always threatening with strikes and submissions.

The grueling battle was awesome to watch and provided strong evidence for the case of five rounders for title eliminators.

Randy Couture vs. Brandon Vera

It was a contentious decision victory for Randy Couture as he barely staved off the dangerous Brandon Vera but controlled a lot of the action.

Like many fights on this list, three rounds left only more questions rather than answers.

Takanori Gomi vs. Marcus Aurelio 2

In their first meeting, Marcus Aurelio scored a big upset submission win over top-ranked Takanori Gomi.

They rematched later that year for Gomi's Lightweight Championship.

Gomi won the rematch with a split decision victory in only a two-round fight. Aurelio deserved more rounds.

Leonard Garca vs. Chan Sung Jung

Chan Sung Jung, "The Korean Zombie", made his infamous WEC debut by taking on feathweight slugger Leonard Garcia.

The bout was wildly entertaining and a pick by many as "fight of the year."

Fans would have loved to see the match go another two rounds because Garcia's split decision victory was controversial but also because nobody could get enough of those fireworks.

Renato Sobral vs. Robbie Lawler

Renato Sobral and Robbie Lawler clashed in a high-profile, catch-weight main event fight for Strikeforce.

Sobral eecked out the unanimous decision in a fight against his dangerous opponent, in a fight that deserved to go a full five rounds.

Rich Franklin vs. Yushin Okami

Rich Franklin edged fellow top middleweight contender Yushin Okami by unanimous decision to earn another title shot and a chance to become champion again.

In a close fight, Okami came on strong late, but it was not enough to topple Franklin. 

Dan Hardy vs. Marcus Davis

The trash talk leading up to this fight signified a true grudge match.

Dan Hardy won a split decision victory over Marcus Davis.

Only a five-round fight could have provided a truly satisfactory resolution.

Martin Kampmann vs. Carlos Condit

Carlos Condit made his highly-anticipated debut against emerging welterweight contender Martin Kampmann.

The UFC fightnight main event was an excellent display of skill, as both men looked like future title challengers in the match.

Kampmann received the split decision win.

Jake Shields vs. Martin Kampmann

Jake Shields earned his shot at champion Georges St-Pierre by defeating Martin Kampmann by contentious split decision in his UFC debut.

An experienced championship fighter, Shields surprisingly looked less prepared than Kampmann heading into further rounds.

Quinton Jackson vs. Keith Jardine

Quinton Jackson earned a close unanimous decision victory over Keith Jardine in a UFC main event and "fight of the night" winner.

Fabricio Werdum vs. Antonio Silva

Two of the world's best heavyweights fought in a battle to solidify a top-10 spot in 2009.

The two opponents seemed fairly evenly matched in a back-and-forth scrap.

Werdum did just enough to get the unanimous decision victory.

With both men in the Strikeforce Heavyweight GP and both with victories over Fedor Emelianenko, we could see these two men in the tournament final battling it out again; this time with even higher stakes.

Rashad Evans vs. Thiago Silva

Rashad Evans and Thiago Silva squared off in a main event fight pivotal for the light heavyweight division.

Evans controlled the first two rounds with his wrestling, while Silva surged back in the third to hurt Evans badly with strikes.

Rashad Evans vs. Quinton Jackson

A grudge match rivalry between the two top contenders for the Light Heavyweight Championship.

The anticipation warranted main event status, although the three rounds did not seem like enough.

Rashad Evans came away with a decision in a tightly contested battle against superstar Quinton Jackson.

Frankie Edgar vs. Tyson Griffin

Future champ Frankie Edgar's UFC debut came against the very tough Tyson Griffin.

Seemingly evenly matched, Edgar pulled out the very close decision victory in the fight of the night.

What would have been interesting had the fight been five rounds, would be to see how competitive Edgar would have remained after surviving a deep kneebar late in the third round. 

Rich Franklin vs. Wanderlei Silva

Rich Franklin and Wanderlei Silva went toe-to-toe in a significant main event matchup.

The two former world champions fought to decision in a very tough fight to score.

Franklin earned the decision in a fight that was very good but still had more to offer.

BJ Penn vs. Jon Fitch

Emerging legend Jon Fitch took on established legend BJ Penn in the biggest weltwerweight clash to be had outside of Georges St-Pierre.

The three-round fight was contested to a disappointing draw.

As two of the biggest and best stars in MMA, the outcome brought questions about non-title five-round fights to a head.

Quinton Jackson vs. Lyoto Machida

Quinton Jackson slightly pushed the pace in the first two rounds while Lyoto Machida ran away with the third round.

The contentious split decision was awarded to Jackson, but everyone involved knew that a five-round fight would be more befitting these former champions.

Georges St-Pierre vs. BJ Penn 1

The top two welterweight contenders battled it out for their chance to rematch champion Matt Hughes.

The two legendary fighters battled it out with Georges St-Pierre defeating BJ Penn by way of split decision.

Jake Shields vs. Yushin Okami

Jake Shields defeated Yushin Okami by close majority decision in the stacked "Rumble on the Rock" welterweight tournament.

Many felt Okami could have earned the decision in what was the most competitive match of the tournament.

Dan Henderson vs. Rich Franklin

Two former world champions collided in a contentious three-round split decision for a UFC main event.

"Decision Dan" Dan Henderson once again got the nod as Rich Franklin lost to only the third person in his career. 

1. Anderson Silva vs. Chris Leben

There is no doubt that Anderson Silva's debut in the UFC against Chris Leben should have been a five-round fight.

Anderson is a proven championship-level fighter.

Although Leben lost in the first round, had it been a five-round fight, he would have paced himself better and we might have seen one of the greatest slugfests of all time.

If you are terrible at detecting sarcasm, then you do not realize that I am kidding.  Continue reading.

1. Chuck Liddell vs. Wanderlei Silva

Two of the sports biggest stars and most legendary fighters finally met in one of the most-anticipated matchups of all time.

After a small feeling out period, Chuck Liddell and Wanderlei Silva went to war for three rounds.

The only disappointing aspect of the fight, was that it was not a championship five rounder.

Wanderlei Silva would go on to rebound successfully, but Chuck Liddell walked away with the unanimous decision victory in what was his last great performance.